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What Is Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return?
If you're a taxpayer needing an exact copy of one or more previously filed tax returns, you'll use Form 4506 to request it from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You might need these copies to complete your current-year tax return, amend a prior one, file a claim for a refund or abatement, apply for government benefits, seek federal student aid, verify income for a loan, or defend against an IRS audit.
There's a fee involved for a full copy of your tax return. In many situations, though, a free transcript—which is a shorter printout of the key return information—will meet your needs just as effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Form 4506 is what you file to request exact copies of previously filed tax returns and related information.
- You can request various types of returns going back six years or more, depending on the form.
- It costs $43 currently to get a copy of your return.
- If an exact copy isn't necessary, Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ let you request free transcripts instead.
Who Can File Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return?
As a taxpayer, you can file Form 4506 to get copies of your previously filed tax returns. You also have the option to request that the copy be sent directly to a third party, such as a mortgage lender who needs to verify your income with the IRS. In that scenario, you sign and submit the form, and the IRS handles sending the copy straight to your lender.
How to File Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
You file Form 4506 when you require an exact copy of a previously filed tax return. This covers a range of returns, including the Form 1040 series for individuals, Form 1120 series for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, and Form 1041 for estates or trusts. Complete the form and mail it to the IRS address listed on it.
Expect to pay a $43 fee for each tax period you request. Copies are generally available for the current year and the previous six years.
Download Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
You can find all versions of Form 4506 on the IRS website. Remember, the IRS typically takes about 75 calendar days to process your request and deliver the copies.
Other Relevant Forms
In the 4506 series, you'll also find Form 4506-T for requesting a transcript of your tax return and Form 4506-T-EZ as a short form for individual tax return transcripts. These provide a printout without attachments of your previously filed return.
To get a transcript, download and complete Form 4506-T, then mail it in. It's useful for tax return or account info, Form W-2, and 1099 details. Transcripts are available for the current and past three tax years for forms like 1040, 1120, and 1065. If you register online with the IRS, you can access it immediately and for free.
For a free individual transcript of your 1040 series return, use Form 4506-T-EZ. A tax return transcript is essentially a computer printout showing filing dates, status, dependents, adjusted gross income, and tax liability—most line items from your original filing, but shorter than a full copy without attachments. It doesn't include post-processing changes.
If you need tax info urgently, use the IRS's online Get Transcript tool or call 1-800-908-9946 for a free transcript. These are accepted by agencies like USCIS, student loan providers, and mortgage lenders as substitutes for full returns. Transcripts were designed specifically for mortgage lenders to verify borrower income.
Since 2019, IRS transcripts have a new format to prevent identity theft, masking details like all but the last four digits of your Social Security number and phone. You can request an unmasked version, but it only mails to your address on record.
Special Considerations When Filing Form 4506
When you paper-file any Form 4506 series, either spouse on a joint return can request copies or transcripts, and just one signature is needed. For Get Transcript online, either the primary or secondary spouse can request. But for mail or phone requests, only the primary taxpayer can do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is IRS Form 4506 and 4506-T? IRS Form 4506 lets you request an exact copy of a previously filed return and tax info. For cases where a full copy isn't needed, Forms 4506-T and 4506-T-EZ provide free transcripts.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Documents After Filing a Form 4506 or 4506-T? Using the IRS Get Transcript online gives immediate downloads. Mailed transcript requests take 5 to 10 days. Full copies via Form 4506 can take up to 75 days.
Is a Transcript Sufficient for My Mortgage Lender? Yes, transcripts usually work as substitutes for exact copies with mortgage lenders—they were created for that purpose.
Why Does My Lender Want a Form 4506-T? Lenders require it to get a transcript directly from the IRS, verifying the income docs you provided in your loan application.
